Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion, from the Labors of Hercules c. 1528

Gabriel Salmon made this print of Hercules Strangling the Nemean Lion in the 1600s. Here we see a moment rendered through the lens of the artist's cultural context. This image is more than a depiction of a mythological strongman; it reflects the societal values of its time. Consider the symbolism: Hercules, a figure of masculine strength, subdues the wild, untamed lion. This can be interpreted as man's triumph over nature, and civilization’s dominance over the animalistic. The woodcut medium itself, with its stark contrasts, mirrors the clear-cut distinctions often drawn between these concepts. How does Salmon use light and shadow to convey a sense of drama? The intense struggle between man and beast is palpable, yet it also invites us to consider the power dynamics at play. Does the image glorify strength, or does it hint at the costs of such dominance?